Feb. 04, 2011
Michael Braukus/J.D. Harrington
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1979/5241
michael.j.braukus@nasa.gov
j.d.harrington@nasa.gov
Paul Foerman
Stennis Space Center, Miss.
228-688-1880
paul.foerman-1@nasa.gov
MEDIA ADVISORY: M11-024
MEDIA INVITED TO ENGINE TEST AND MEETING WITH NASA ADMINISTRATOR
BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. -- Members of the news media are invited to visit
NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center on Monday, Feb. 7, to view a
flight acceptance test of Aerojet's AJ26 rocket engine for the
Orbital Sciences Corp.'s Taurus II space launch vehicle.
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and executives from Orbital and
Aerojet will be at Stennis to witness the test, which is targeted for
4 p.m. CST. Following the test, reporters will have an opportunity to
ask questions of Bolden and the Orbital and Aerojet executives.
When flight acceptance testing on the AJ26 engine is complete, it will
be delivered to Orbital at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility launch site
in Virginia for integration with the rocket's first stage. NASA has
contracted with Orbital to provide eight cargo missions to the
International Space Station. The first is scheduled for early 2012.
NASA is investing with private industry to develop safe, reliable,
cost-effective space transportation capabilities that will spur the
development of new spacecraft and launch vehicles that will stimulate
the commercial sector and reduce dependence on foreign providers.
To attend the event, news media must contact Paul Foerman at
228-688-1880 or paul.foerman-1@nasa.gov by 9 a.m. on Feb. 7.
Reporters must arrive no later than 3 p.m. on Feb. 7 to allow time
for clearance and escort to the test site. For information about
Stennis Space Center, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/stennis
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov
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